Hearing loss is the third-leading cause of disability, affecting more than 1.5 billion people globally. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 800 million people worldwide, and that number is growing. A new report in the journal Nature supports prior research findings indicating that worsening kidney function is associated with hearing loss, and certain genetic abnormalities that cause hearing loss can lead to kidney disease. Learn more about the connection between kidney function decline and hearing loss.*

Connections between kidneys and ears

The inner ear contains a spiral cavity called the cochlea, which creates nerve impulses in response to sound vibrations. While it may sound surprising, both normal cochlea and normal kidney function depend on similar structures and transport systems for their respective fluids. Both organs also use the same type of collagen in their “basement” membranes, supportive membranes that separate tissues and protect them from stress. Because of this, ears and kidneys can affect each other on cellular levels.

Research shows that CKD is linked to increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss, which is acquired hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear. This damage can result from the buildup of toxins due to impaired kidney function, and from underlying conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease that are commonly causes of, or caused by, CKD. 

CKD-related hearing loss can also result from:

• Some medications, such as furosemide (Brand name: Lasix) which is used to relieve water retention (though the hearing loss from this drug may be temporary), and 
• Certain treatments, such as hemodialysis. The studies suggest that people with CKD who are on hemodialysis are at the highest risk of developing hearing loss, but that kidney transplant recipients and even people with mild CKD are also at increased risk.

What it means

Given the multilayered relationship between kidney and ear structure and function, the report authors say, healthcare providers should:

• Monitor hearing function in CKD patients alongside their monitoring of eGFR (percentage of remaining kidney function), particularly for eGFR under 60, and
• Evaluate infants, children, and adults with hearing dysfunction or malformation of their hearing structures for possible kidney malfunction.

The authors also call for more funding to support research and services that focus on the unique intersection of these two conditions.

*Greenberg, D., Rosenblum, N. D., Tonelli, M. (2024, January 29). The multifaceted links between hearing loss and chronic kidney disease. Nature Reviews Nephrology. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41581-024-00808-2 

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